John Lobb Vale

[william]

I've had my eye on the JL Vale for a while. Pretty steep price tag at $1400+ though. Has anyone ever purchased this shoe at a discount?

 

[kirbya]

Certainly a beautiful shoe. Is it custom or "off the rack," if you will (I don't know the shoe equivalent).

 

[william]

Originally Posted by kirbya

Certainly a beautiful shoe. Is it custom or "off the rack," if you will (I don't know the shoe equivalent).

Yes it's JL Prestige RTW.

 

[dkzzzz]

To me this model presents a big "risk" of looking too old fashioned if pared with a business suit.

I think one should wear this model with fashion forward Dior or Isaia slim suit, so that Vale looks stylish and contemporary.
Otherwise there is a lot of potential to look like you are wearing your grandpa shoes.

 

[mr monty]

Originally Posted by dkzzzz

To me this model presents a big "risk" of looking too old fashioned if pared with a business suit.

I think one should wear this model with fashion forward Dior or Isaia slim suit, so that Vale looks stylish and contemporary.
Otherwise there is a lot of potential too look like you are wearing your grandpa shoes.

This is nothing you could wear to made these look like "Grandpa shoes"!! You must be thinking about some of the AE styles.

 

[william]

Interesting. I don't really see it that way but to each his own. The Vale looks sleek and modern to me.

 

[Frittata]

Originally Posted by dkzzzz

To me this model presents a big "risk" of looking too old fashioned if pared with a business suit.

I think one should wear this model with fashion forward Dior or Isaia slim suit, so that Vale looks stylish and contemporary.
Otherwise there is a lot of potential too look like you are wearing your grandpa shoes.
sorry but how should this shoe look old-fashioned?
I think just the opposite is more probable...

 

[zjpj83]

This shoe is very "fashionable." Old-fashioned is the last thing that comes to mind.

 

[sho'nuff]

this is a very nice shoe Chris.
I would wait for the sales that come up; you may have to wait a year for these to come up in a sale though.

For a non-classical musician, like yourself, I would prefer a more heavy-footed, substantial derby shoe.

The Vale with its subtle bevelled waist and clean leathers make it more perfect for a business suit and visiting old relatives or a diplomatic visit to your homeland.

 

[thinman]

I also see nothing "old-fashioned" about the JL Vale, unless you're thinking monkstraps in general look like shoes a musketeer would wear. The Vale is on my wish list, in plum museum calf. I'm saving my pennies and hoping (probably in vain) for a sale.

 

[william]

Originally Posted by diorshoe

this is a very nice shoe Chris.
I would wait for the sales that come up; you may have to wait a year for these to come up in a sale though.

For a non-classical musician, like yourself, I would prefer a more heavy-footed, substantial derby shoe.

The Vale with its subtle bevelled waist and clean leathers make it more perfect for a business suit and visiting old relatives or a diplomatic visit to your homeland.

I see where you're coming from. I'm definitely going to use the FAM for live performance. As you know it's got the heavier sole that you speak of. I think the Vale has a sleek modern look that would translate well on stage. I would definitely prefer a more substantial sole though. Haven't made up my mind yet. Still looking..

 

[sho'nuff]

that's the thing, if Lobb came in a more substantial sole, or can be ordered, like let say a channeled, double-sole, I would think Lobb would be the perfect English shoe.
yes, I had the FAM in mind when i wrote that!

 

[gdl203]

If this is "old-fashioned", I'd be scared to see what dkzzzz considers as avant-garde...

(maybe those?)